Simone de Beauvoir
The Quote in Other Words
An adult can be described as a person who has matured through the passing of time, like a child who has grown up.
Explanation of the Quote
The quote “What is an adult? A child blown up by age” suggests that adults are simply children who have aged and grown in size, but have not necessarily matured emotionally or mentally. It implies that the traits and behaviors that we associate with adulthood are simply exaggerated versions of those we see in children.
This quote highlights the idea that age does not necessarily equate to maturity. It suggests that many adults still possess childlike qualities such as impulsiveness, selfishness, and a lack of responsibility. It also implies that the process of growing up does not necessarily mean that we leave behind our childish tendencies, but rather that we learn to manage and control them.
In essence, this quote challenges our traditional understanding of what it means to be an adult. It suggests that adulthood is not simply a matter of reaching a certain age or achieving certain milestones, but rather a process of personal growth and development. It reminds us that we are all still children at heart, and that the key to true maturity lies in learning to balance our childlike qualities with the responsibilities and challenges of adult life.